Busted: Timeshare agents

I’m not saying these people are guilty. But they could be. And some people do think so -- specifically law enforcement. Hence the arrests.

But you have to wonder if it’s worth it to actually try to cheat the taxman. Isn’t taxation legendary in its inevitability? The government will collect. And trying to hide isn't sexy. We view tax evaders as weaselly, slippery cheaters -- the opposite of team players -- and not in an alluring outlier way.

According to the S.C. Department of Revenue:

- Hilton Head timeshare agent Leigh Anne Hoppe was arrested in July for failure to file state income tax returns for years 2007, 2008 and 2009. Hoppe, 48, earned income of $190,465 during years 2007 - 2009 with a tax liability of $8,944. Hoppe was required to file a South Carolina income tax return on or before April 15 for these tax years. If convicted, Hoppe could face up to three years in prison or fines of up to $30,000, or both.

- Robert Ray Lauderman was arrested by S.C. Department of Revenue investigators for failure to file income tax returns. During 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010, Lauderman, a timeshare sales agent in Hilton Head, brought in $417,302 and allegedly failed to file his state individual income taxes during that time. Lauderman’s state tax liability for these years is $21,809. He’s facing up to five years in prison and/or fines of up to $50,000 if convicted.

- On July 12, state Department of Revenue investigators arrested Freda G. McKinney, a licensed Hilton Head timeshare sales agent, allegedly failed to file her state income tax returns for tax years 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010. During this time she hauled in $633,269. Her tax liability is $25,771. McKinney, 58, could go to prison for five years or get a $50,000 fine or both, if convicted.

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